14:35 York
Saturday 17 June 2023
All14:0014:3515:0515:4016:1516:5017:25
Sky Bet Handicap
- 3YO plus  |  Class 3  |  7f  |  Good to Firm (Good in places)  |  13 Runners  |  Turf  |   Weighed In
- Off time: 14:38Â Â |Â Â Winning time: 1m 24.84s
Cloth number
Odds
Star rating
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Talented on his day but he refused to race on his reappearance at Thirsk and ran poorly returned to a handicap in first-time tongue strap here last time. Others appeal more.
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Won 3 times in 2022 and reappeared with a career best to land 11-runner handicap at Musselburgh in April. Ran at least as well in defeat at Haydock next time but poor efforts last 2 starts.
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Confirmed promise of last run when recording an eighth success in 15-runner handicap at Thirsk (7f, good) 28 days ago, readily. Likely to go well again.
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Enhanced an excellent record on all-weather when landing 8-runner handicap at Newcastle (1m) in October, always holding on. Wasn't quite in the same form back on turf at Meydan 5 months later, though. Cheekpieces on for 1st time.
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Progressive in 2022, winning 5 times, but the handicapper seems to have caught up with him and he underperformed at Chester 3 weeks ago.
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Largely ran well in 2022 without getting his head in front. Creditable fifth on Newmarket reappearance but not in same form both outings subsequently, including back at this trip in Victoria Cup on most recent outing. Bit to prove.
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Remains winless for this yard but confirmed his return to form when second in 9-runner event at Goodwood (7f, good to firm) last weekend, headed only final 50 yds. Obvious player from the same mark.
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Got back on the up when winning 9-runner handicap at Musselburgh (7.2f, good to firm) 14 days ago, rallying having been headed over 1f out. The fourth from that race has come out and won since, so he's respected from a 5 lb higher mark.
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Dual winner last year but is operating below his best at present, plugging on into fifth at Hamilton last week. On the plus side, he continues to ease in the weights.
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Is a likeable sort who resumed winning ways with the headgear left off in 20-runner handicap over C&D (good to firm) 29 days ago, leading final 100 yds. Nudged up 3 lb and should remain competitive.
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Eleven runs since last win in 2022 but has been shaping up well recently and was unlucky not to finish closer when fifth at Ripon (6f) 10 days ago. Remains one to be interested in.
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Resumed winning ways at Ayr in May but had every chance back up in grade when fourth there (7.2f) last time. Needs to pull out more.
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Gelded/off 8 months before landing 6f minor event at Pontefract on his return, getting up late. That form has been franked but he failed to take another step forward switched to a handicap when fourth at Haydock 3 weeks ago.
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Forecasts
Darkness (7/2), Liamarty Dreams (13/2), Admiral D (13/2), Wild Lion (8/1), Eligible (9/1), Fortamour (9/1), Scottish Summit (11/1), Snash (14/1), Judgment Call (14/1), Snazzy Jazzy (20/1), Gweedore (22/1), Carnival Zain (25/1), Indian Falcon (25/1)
DARKNESS looks ready to strike having been headed only in the latter stages on his last 2 outings, so he receives the vote. Fortamour was unlucky not to finish closer at Ripon last time and remains of interest, with likeable veteran Scottish Summit expected to give another good account.
- Darkness7/2
- Fortamour9/1
- Scottish Summit11/1
Prize Money
1st: £15,462.002nd: £7,251.003rd: £3,627.004th: £1,812.005th: £906.006th: £453.00
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